Hughes wants Fulham talks as he dismisses Bayern link

Fulham manager Mark Hughes today denied being approached by Bayern Munich to take charge of the German champions.

Instead, Hughes revealed he was so happy at Craven Cottage that he would welcome talks to extend his current contract that expires at the end of next season.

Hughes, who replaced Roy Hodgson in the summer, was reported to have headed a shortlist of three names to succeed Dutchman Louis van Gaal at the end of the current Bundesliga campaign - the others being Bayer Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes and former captain of Germany Matthias Sammer.

The 47-year-old Welshman has links with Bayern Munich, having played for the club on loan from Barcelona in 1987, and Bayern president Uli Hoeness is said to have been impressed with his coaching of the Wales national team, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Fulham.

Hughes said: "The reports were flattering but I'm happy doing what I'm doing at the moment. I think sometimes when a job position becomes vacant, people look around to see if there is any connection in terms of past playing careers or whatever.

"I think that is what has happened here. I've been connected with it but there is no more to it than that, to be perfectly honest.

"I'm enjoying my work here at Fulham. It is a great job and we're going in the right direction. If we can invest more in the players next year, then I think we can kick on and that is my focus."

Hughes went on to say he would consider a contract extension with Fulham. He said: "If the club feel I'm doing a good job and that is what they want to do, I'm happy to have that conversation."

The former Manchester United and Chelsea star did admit that he would consider managing abroad at some stage in his career. He said: "If opportunities in the future present themselves, it would be part of my football education and something I would want to do."

Crucially, however, he added: "I'm not looking to do it at the moment."

Meanwhile, Hughes revealed Steve Sidwell would miss the match with Everton on Saturday as he continues his recovery from a calf complaint.